Grievance MECHANISM
SaraCarbon recognises that disagreements may arise in how we conduct our operations. Through all stages of our operations, we work to prevent and minimise negative impact – social, environmental and health and safety – in part by conducting monitoring in collaboration with local communities, and by following robust international standards and practices. Grievances and feedback are addressed with the gravity the deserve.
We are committed to ensuring that matters of concern are thoroughly investigated to improve our operations.
Click the below link to view the process flow chart for conflict resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program is the world’s most widely used greenhouse gas (GHG) crediting program. The VCS Program has been endorsed by the International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA) and meets the ICROA Code of Best Practice. In 2021, Verra issued 295M Verified Carbon Units (VCU), representing 83% of the certified credit tons issued last year. Verra currently has 1800+ registered projects.
The central idea behind a carbon credit is that it can substitute for GHG emission reductions. When people talk about the “quality” of a carbon offset credit, they are referring to the level of confidence one can have that the use of the credit will fulfill this basic principle. In short, quality carbon offset credits must be associated with GHG reductions that are Additional, Permanent, Verified, Transparent and Positive Impact (on local communities and environment). The carbon project developer is committed to ensure only quality carbon credit achieving the 5 mentioned criteria utilizing the VERRA Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standard (CCB) and/or the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta).
- Confusion between carbon credits and carbon stock. Carbon credits are what is saleable.
- Carbon stock can be converted to carbon credits by avoidance of disturbance, e.g., conversion to other land use or harvesting.
- Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2 ) is reduced through absorption of CO2 in the growth of trees. This is known as carbon sequestration and can generate carbon credits.
Confusingly these 3 items can each be used to describe the carbon in biomass
- carbon is the amount of elemental carbon
- CO2 is elemental carbon with the addition of oxygen to form carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide equivalents are CO2 with the other GHGs with global warming potential (mainly methane and nitrous oxide) added.
1. What is the background of SaraCarbon?
SaraCarbon is a Malaysian company incorporated in Sarawak in 2022, which operates with the following goals:
- Developing and implementing forest conservation and peat rehabilitation projects to mitigate climate change.
- Aligning with the Sarawak State Government's Green Economy strategy.
- Generating high-quality, certified carbon credits.
- Supporting community-driven initiatives.
SaraCarbon develops high-integrity, investment-grade forest conservation and peat rehabilitation projects in Sarawak, Malaysia. Centered on peatland conservation, tropical forest protection, and reforestation, our projects produce high quality carbon credits with strong additionality, measurable climate impact, and long-term value creation.
In March 2023, SaraCarbon became the first organisation in Sarawak to be granted the Forest Carbon Study Permit. This approval enabled the team to conduct comprehensive field research, engage with local communities, and assess the feasibility of a landscape-scale carbon project in Marudi. Following the completion of all required assessments and meeting all compliance requirements, SaraCarbon was officially awarded the Forest Carbon License (FCL) on 9 December 2024 for its Marudi Peat Swamp Forest Conservation and Restoration Project (VCS 4814). This achievement solidified SaraCarbon’s position as a pioneer in nature-based climate solutions in Sarawak.
2. What is the significance of SaraCarbon?
SaraCarbon operates in one of the highest carbon-density ecosystems in Southeast Asia– Sarawak’s peat swamp forests, where preventing peat drainage delivers exceptional avoided-emissions value. Our approach integrates scientific rigor, community partnerships, land-tenure alignment, and a transparent governance framework designed to meet the expectations of institutional buyers.
SaraCarbon’s governance model is built on transparency and independent third-party oversight, including Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and BeZero Carbon, which assess the quality and credibility of carbon credits. Independent experts, community representatives, and external advisers are integrated into the governance structure to support accountability and credibility throughout the project lifecycle.
Key project documents, consultation summaries, and compliance records are made publicly accessible through the Verra project registry and SaraCarbon’s disclosure channels, enabling stakeholders to verify engagement processes, including community consultation and consent. We make sure this governance architecture addresses topics raised by NGOs and reinforces SaraCarbon’s commitment to ethical, inclusive, and independently verifiable project development.
3. How does the Marudi Peat Swamp Forest Conservation and Restoration Project generate revenue?
Revenue is generated from the sale of verified carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market. Our focus is on producing high-quality credits that incorporate significant co- benefits such as biodiversity conservation, improved community livelihoods, and the protection of peat ecosystems.
4. What certification standards are used?
SaraCarbon aligns with Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) REDD+ VM0007.
5. How does SaraCarbon ensure additionality?
The land was legally licensed for plantation development, which would have involved forest clearing and peat drainage. By stopping these planned activities and initiating a conservation programme, the project has avoided substantial emissions that would have been released under the original land-use scenario.
6. What monitoring systems are in place?
Our monitoring encompasses peat-hydrology sensors, satellite-driven forest-cover analysis, biodiversity surveys, structured community engagement reporting, and routine forest-guard patrols – with each component aligned with recognised international best practices.
7. How does SaraCarbon address community risks?
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) facilitates the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process. All titled Native Customary Rights (NCR) lands are excluded from the project area. Sustainable subsistence access is permitted, allowing communities to continue collecting non-timber forest products, as well as hunting and fishing for personal consumption. Wildlife rangers work with community members to document the quantity and species of flora and fauna harvested, ensuring transparent monitoring. Dedicated local liaison officers maintain ongoing engagement with all affected communities.
8. How scalable is SaraCarbon’s project model?
SaraCarbon may consider scaling up with additional carbon projects if the Marudi Peat Swamp Forest Conservation and Restoration Project is successful in meeting its objective of delivering benefits for the climate, local communities, and biodiversity, in alignment with the Sarawak Government’s objectives.
9. What makes SaraCarbon’s credits high-quality?
SaraCarbon’s carbon credits are supported by peatland conservation, strong FPIC processes, transparent governance, and documented biodiversity benefits. Biodiversity monitoring through field surveys and camera trapping has recorded the presence of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List-listed threatened species, including critically endangered, endangered, and vulnerable flora and fauna, alongside restoration efforts using indigenous species to support long-term ecosystem health.
10. How does SaraCarbon manage permanence risks?
Buffers, insurance mechanisms, hydrology management, and long-term conservation commitments reduce reversal risk.
11. What are key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) co-benefits?
- Ecosystem Restoration – active protection of biodiversity and sensitive habitats
- Socio-Economic Growth – creating sustainable jobs and shared financial benefits for local residents
- Ecological Balance – promoting sustainable consumption and long-term resource security
- Climate Adaptation - leveraging nature to build resilience against environmental shifts
- SDG Integration – direct alignment with international sustainability frameworks
12. What land safeguards are in place?
Lands & Survey verification, NCR exclusion, and district office validation. We also have maps made available for review during community engagement sessions.
13. What is SaraCarbon’s 2030 vision?
To establish a network of protected peat forest conservation areas across Sarawak, deliver long-term climate impact, and cultivate strong community partnerships that support shared prosperity.
14. What distinguishes SaraCarbon from other project developers?
SaraCarbon differentiates itself through a combination of deep local land and tenure knowledge, long-standing concession access, and strong scientific partnerships. SaraCarbon also embeds community engagement into every stage of project design and implementation, supported by a continuous on-ground presence in Sarawak.
15. What is SaraCarbon’s main objective?
SaraCarbon’s main objective is to support Sarawak’s transition toward a sustainable, low‑carbon economy through nature‑based carbon projects and responsible forest management. Our work aligns with the Sarawak government’s green economy strategy by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving forest ecosystems, and creating new revenue streams for the state.”
16. How does SaraCarbon ensure long-term carbon benefits?
SaraCarbon aims to secure long-term carbon benefits through a 60-year project plan, using active forest preservation, continuous monitoring, and adaptive risk management to maintain carbon stocks and ensure project permanence.
17. How does SaraCarbon benefit the local communities?
Communities gain from structured livelihood programs, capacity-building and technical skills training, and development initiatives that are directly integrated with the project’s forest conservation and restoration framework.
18. How is SaraCarbon going to tackle the grievance by the community?
SaraCarbon addresses community concerns through a formal grievance mechanism. This includes a structured complaints and request process, supported by a conflict-resolution flow chart to guide investigation and remediation. SaraCarbon is committed to continuous engagement to address any grievance raised by the community. The grievance procedure is structured to address issues diligently and in a transparent manner.
19. How can community participate and contribute toward the carbon project?
Community participation is driven by:
- Direct Employment – creating jobs in forest restoration and protection
- Environmental Stewardship – involving communities in conservation activities and forest monitoring
- Economic Empowerment – supporting sustainable livelihoods and community-driven development initiatives
- Collaborative Governance – maintaining ongoing dialogue and co-management guided by FPIC frameworks
20. Land tenure and land rights are a challenge. How can we navigate these complex social, cultural and economic dynamics in the project implementation?
- Excluding NCR lands from the project boundary where appropriate
- Engaging communities formally using FPIC processes
- Maintaining clear mechanisms for grievance and land claim resolution
- Continuously involving communities in defining access rights and shared benefits
21. How can we foster strategic alignment with NGOs for the SaraCarbon project?
To actively engage NGOs, we prioritize open communication and verifiable impact. By treating them as essential stakeholders, we demonstrate SaraCarbon’s commitment to ethical and accountable project management.
22. Are carbon credits independently assessed?
The Marudi Peat Swamp Forest Conservation & Restoration Project (VCS 4814) has been independently evaluated by BeZero Carbon, a recognised carbon ratings agency. The project received an ex-ante rating of ‘AAe’, indicating a very high likelihood of achieving one tonne of CO₂e avoidance or removal per credit. This independent assessment ensures the credibility and quality of the project’s carbon credits.
23. What does BeZero’s ‘AAe’ rating mean for the Marudi Peat Swamp Forest Conservation & Restoration Project?
The ‘AAe’ rating is an ex-ante evaluation indicating a very high probability that the carbon project will deliver its stated climate impact. This means each carbon credit issued by the Marudi Peat Swamp Forest Conservation & Restoration Project is backed by rigorous scientific and financial analysis, providing assurance to stakeholders.
24. Why is BeZero’s assessment important for stakeholders?
BeZero’s assessment provides independent verification and acts as a benchmark for trust for stakeholders. It provides external assurance regarding:
- The auditability and precision of our carbon accounting
- The environmental integrity and verifiable permanence and Additionality of our emissions reductions
25. How large is SaraCarbon’s project area and what impact does it aim to deliver?
SaraCarbon’s project covers an estimated 25,675 hectares of forest and peatland. Based on current estimates, the project is expected to avoid or reduce approximately 1.45 million tonnes of CO₂e per year, which may translate into the issuance of up to 1.45 million Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) annually, subject to validation, verification, and applicable deductions under the relevant carbon standard.